What We Do

Arun Patel (Polio Children, UK) with 2 new admissions to SKSN

Polio Children has to date supported programmes, such as Sucheta Kriplani Shiksha Niketan (SKSN), the largest school for physically-handicapped children in India, and located near Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and Polio Hostel(Kwa Mkono Disabled Trust)located near Handeni, Tanzania that specifically cater to the needs of poor children afflicted with polio and other neuromuscular disorders.

Why polio ?

Polio is a “forgotten” disease. Many people believe polio has been eradicated but unfortunately that is not so. It may come as a surprise to many that, to date, the ONLY disease that mankind has eradicated is smallpox. By helping children with polio, we want to be sure that they too are not forgotten.

What is your measure of success and what has been your biggest achievement?

Rekha, a Polio Children beneficiary, returns to SKSN as a primary school teacher

We feel our efforts have been successful whenever when we see a child pursue higher education or vocational training with the single-minded determination of becoming independent in adult life. Our biggest achievement, to date, has been to give more than 450 girls a second chance in life by removing them from a vicious cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and destitution to one where each of them can realise her full potential.

Do children find they are better able to fit into mainstream society after receiving your help?

Absolutely! Since 2004, we have enabled more than 220 students to attain university education and engage in gainful employment. Additionally, several hundred others have returned to their villages where as a result of their newly acquired education and vocational training they have been readily embraced by their families and local communities.

Rekha on her wedding day.

How are you different from any other charitable organisation?

There are few charities fully dedicated to helping children with polio. Since its inception in 2002, the founding trustees of Polio Children have borne all administrative costs with the result that every penny donated has gone directly to the children in need, and you, the donor, will bear ZERO of the running costs associated with this charity.